Siemens extends contract with McLaren

Siemens and the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One racing team have extended their partnership, as specified in the sponsorship agreement recently signed by Rudi Lamprecht, member of the managing board at Siemens AG, and Ron Dennis, CEO and Chairman of the McLaren Group. Siemens remains a Technology Partner of the West McLaren Mercedes team and will receive extensive advertising and hospitality rights. The branding on the racing cars and the drivers' suits will be changed from "Siemens mobile" to "Siemens".

The sponsoring partnership between Siemens and the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One racing team has existed uninterrupted since 1998. Siemens remains one of the team's Technology Partners and one of its largest sponsors. Changing the branding from "Siemens mobile" to "Siemens" opens up the sponsorship with its extensive advertising and marketing programs and hospitality activities to all parts of Siemens.

The new MP4-19 racing car will carry Siemens logos on the sides of the chassis and on its nose, making them clearly visible for the TV cameras. Drivers David Coulthard, Kimi Räikkönen, Alexander Wurz and Pedro de la Rosa will sport the logo on the front of their racing overalls and on their helmets. All West McLaren Mercedes team members will also have the logo on their clothing.

Rudi Lamprecht, member of the managing board at Siemens AG, said: "Formula One is one of our most important sports marketing activities with a global effect. In the future, all Siemens Operating Groups will be able to benefit from our very successful partnership with the West McLaren Mercedes team. The expansion of the Grand Prix series with races in China and Bahrain puts us into growth markets that are very important to us and will continue to advance our profile and brand image."

Ron Dennis, CEO and Chairman of the McLaren Group said: "We are delighted that an important partner like Siemens is extending their relationship with the team. The 2004 Formula One season will be exciting and competitive, and Siemens's continued commitment and support is important in order for us to achieve our objective of winning races and World Championships."

-mclaren-